Segment-specific regulation of epididymal gene expression
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion
Published on: August 25, 2018
1Department of Physiology and Turku Center for Disease ModelingInstitute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland petra.sipila@utu.fi.
Abstract:
The epididymis is necessary for post-testicular sperm maturation. During their epididymal transit, spermatozoa gain ability for progressive movement and fertilization. The epididymis is composed of several segments that have distinct gene expression profiles that enable the establishment of the changing luminal environment required for sperm maturation. The epididymal gene expression is regulated by endocrine, lumicrine, and paracrine factors in a segment-specific manner. Thus, in addition to its importance for male fertility, the epididymis is a valuable model tissue for studying the regulation of gene expression. This review concentrates on recent advances in understanding the androgen, small RNA, and epigenetically mediated regulation of segment-specific gene expression in the epididymis.
Related Concept Videos
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
Master Transcription Regulators

